If, in the opinion of the department head, there exists a condition on any premises which is of such a nature as to be imminently dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare, which, if not abated according to the procedures of this code, would, during the pendency of the proceedings, subject the public to potential harm of a serious nature, the same may be abated forthwith without compliance with the provisions of this code. Notwithstanding the forgoing, a reasonable effort shall be made to notify the owner of the premises in advance of abatement.
(SCC 0982 § 1, 1995)
The cost of abatement including, attorneys' fees and all administrative costs of any action taken hereunder shall be assessed against the subject premises as a lien or made a personal obligation to the owner as provided in Article X of this chapter; except, that in the event the courts shall decide the action taken under this article was improper, no lien shall be assessed and attorneys' fees may be awarded to the prevailing party.
(SCC 0982 § 1, 1995; SCC 1066 § 7, 1997)
A. 
The Board of Supervisors finds that proliferation of graffiti, especially gang-related graffiti, presents an imminent danger to the public safety and welfare and constitutes a public nuisance. Law enforcement officials and other experts agree that immediate removal of gang-related graffiti is necessary to reduce the risk of violent and other criminal activities associated with gangs and gang territories. The presence of graffiti which is not abated immediately encourages the creation of additional graffiti, resulting in neighborhood blight and increased costs of abatement.
B. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16.18.901, the Directors of Community Development and Transportation are hereby authorized to summarily abate graffiti as provided in Chapter 6.120 of this Code. The abatement may be undertaken by County staff or by outside contractors.
C. 
The costs of summary abatement of graffiti may be assessed against the abated property as a lien or made a personal obligation of the owner as provided in Article X of this chapter.
D. 
Pursuant to Government Code Sections 38772-38773.6 and 53069.3, if the person or persons responsible for applying the graffiti is/are identified by having confessed to, admitted to, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty in a court of law of a violation of Section 594, 594.3, 640.5, 640.6, or 640.7 of the Penal Code, or is a minor convicted by final judgment of a violation of Section 594, 594.3, 640.5, 640.6, or 640.7 of the Penal Code, or is a minor declared a ward of the Juvenile Court pursuant to Section 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code by reason of the commission of an act prohibited by Section 594, 594.3, 640.5, 640.6, or 640.7 of the Penal Code, costs of summary abatement of the graffiti may be specially assessed against any parcel of land owned by the person responsible for applying the graffiti, or against any parcel of land owned by the parent or guardian having custody and control of the minor responsible for applying the graffiti. Special assessment proceedings shall occur as provided in Article X of this chapter.
(SCC 0982 § 1, 1995; SCC 1532 § 2, 2013; SCC 1578 § 24, 2015)